• 31
  • October
    2011

The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST, is an online device which allows individuals to determine whether they are eligible for benefits provided by the U.S. Social Security Administration. By logging on to http://www.benefits.gov/ssawww.benefits.gov/ssa, users can obtain information about the benefits they qualify for, and how to apply for those benefits, with the click of a mouse.

What Users Can Expect from BEST

  • Benefits: The BEST tool screens for benefits such as Social Security Retirement, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Social Security Disability and Social Security Retirement.
  • Questions covered: Users do not have to enter identifying information, such as their social security number or name, when using the BEST tool. Instead, users are asked to enter their date of birth and their annual earnings, as well as information about their spouse and financial situation. In order to get the most accurate information, it is recommended that users answer all of the questions that the tool asks.
  • Applying for benefits: Users cannot apply for their benefits through the BEST tool. Instead, they will need to contact the Social Security Administration directly to apply for the benefits they qualify for.
  • Privacy: The BEST tool does not capture a user's information to use it for any reason. Once users are finished with the tool, the answers they provided are immediately purged.
  • Benefit amounts: Users should keep in mind that they will not be given information on the amounts that they can expect from the benefits they qualify for. This specific information can be received directly from the Social Security Administration.

Though the BEST tool can provide valuable estimates, individuals concerned with their eligibility for these programs should contact an experienced attorney who can help navigate them through the process.